Today I checked the hospital tank on the condition of Vibrant, and although he still has a good appetite, his strength seems to be failing him, as he begins to just stay near the surface of the water, not wanting to waste his strength swimming around.
This might be a physological issue than a physical one, and so I thought. Physically, he no longer had any white spots on him; they seemed to have miraculously disapparated without any medication.
However, loneliness seemed to have crept onto him, having being isolated in a small space for more than 48 hours. This must be the first time he was alone since birth, and he must have missed the companionship he had, especially with Nemo in the Main Tank.
Seeing that there is no reason to keep him quarantined anymore, and fearing his health might deteroriate further if we were to keep him isolated any longer, I netted him up and placed him back into the Main Tank.
Visibly surprised, or rather dumbfounded, Vibrant just swam in the tank slowly, confused what was happening around him. Perhaps he did not stay in the Main Tank long enough previously to immediately recognise where he was in. However, Nemo was quick to spot him and swifly swim by him, tapping the side of his body with her mouth. From books, I have read that this was an intimate body language for a female.
Nemo kept close to Vibrant, seemingly observing him and not forgetting to tease him now and then with her ‘intimate’ touch. Vibrant, apparently still in a stunned state, did not return the favour.
His stunned state reminded me of Nemo when she first arrived, where I had placed her in a small container first to observe her. She had immediately appeared ‘stoned’ and refused to move even when I nudged her softly. Afraid that she might die just like that, I took a risk and netted her into the Main Tank. Almost instantly she came alive again and started swimming around actively. What a pleasant surprise that was!
Looks like Gouramis need companionship and are afraid of loneliness. A very interesting species indeed.
Fish Tale 
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